Yoshiaki Yatsu

Biography

Yoshiaki Yatsu is a semi-retired Japanese professional wrestler, former amateur wrestler, and former mixed martial artist. He is known for his career in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he was part of the first-ever World Tag Team Champions alongside Jumbo Tsuruta. He also gained recognition as a champion in various categories, including the NWA International Tag Team Championship and the PWF Tag Team Championship. Before entering professional wrestling, Yatsu competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics in freestyle wrestling, though he did not medal. He later tried to qualify for the 1988 Olympics but was disqualified by the International Olympic Committee due to his professional wrestling career. In 2000, at the age of 44, Yatsu briefly ventured into mixed martial arts, competing in Pride Fighting Championships, where he was defeated in both matches he participated in. After retiring in 2003, Yatsu returned to the ring on several occasions, including a retirement match in 2010 and collaborations with his son in smaller promotions. In 2021, despite losing his right leg due to health complications, he returned to wrestling and won a championship in Dramatic Dream Team (DDT).